Hughes: “We didn’t deserve to lose”

Northampton’s Luke Morris fired home an injury time free-kick which leaves Fleetwood Town in fourth position having been top of the league. Hughes believes the lack of intensity was one of the main reasons why the Cod Army were beaten but says his side should have not lost. He said: “We didn’t deserve to lose today. We matched their playing style quite well but at 0-0, if any team was going to win it, I thought it would be us.”

Despite Northampton’s victory, they remain at the bottom of the league. Hughes admitted Northampton’s ‘no nonsense’ style of play was frustrating. “It must not have been nice to watch. They pumped the ball into the box and constantly tried winning free-kicks. We had a few half chances. I had a good half chance when I had a header but I didn’t realise I wasn’t marked, so I might have rushed it.”

Town’s day went from bad to worse when enigmatic striker David Ball went down with a serious looking injury. And Hughes was concerned for his team mate. “It didn’t look good at all. He’s a very good player and works hard. He might only be small but is effective at what he does. He’s been really good for us this season.”

Ball required hospital treatment for a shoulder injury before travelling home on the team bus.

Fleetwood Town will now be looking to bounce back following the shock defeat and Mansfield Town awaits the Cod Army next at Highbury. “Something we’ve done well this year is bounce back from bad results”, said Hughes.